A home invasion in Independence, Missouri, left one man dead and two others wounded on June 12, 2025. Just before midnight, a man wearing a gas mask forced entry through a side door of a South Brookside Avenue residence, repeatedly demanded to know the whereabouts of Rob, then opened fire. Robert Smith Jr. was found fatally wounded; an adult woman was critically injured and a juvenile—shot three times—was able to call for help. Five children ages seven months to nine years were locked in a back bedroom for safety; the gunman forced that bedroom door open and shot the woman and the juvenile before fleeing.

Police arrested Robert L. Cordato the next day in nearby Blue Summit. Witnesses identified him by his voice and walk despite the mask, and an acquaintance between Cordato and one of the injured victims linked him to the scene. Methamphetamine was reportedly found on him when taken into custody. Prosecutors charged Cordato with first-degree murder for Smith’s death and with multiple counts including first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, four counts of armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm; bond was set at $750,000 cash-only. Cordato reportedly asked while in custody whether he was being charged with two first-degree murder counts before being informed of the number of victims.

Are there readers who knew Robert Smith Jr. or were in the neighborhood that night who can share what they saw or heard?